Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation designating Sept. 4, 2024 as Blood Donation Day in Pennsylvania – part of a National Blood Donation Week effort to encourage eligible donors to give blood around Labor Day. The American Red Cross invites the Greater Philadelphia community to help save lives at blood drives scheduled this week and beyond.

For the ninth consecutive year, media personality Dr. Daliah Wachs has worked to enlist all 50 states in promoting blood donation. Dr. Daliah, who hosts a syndicated radio program on Talk Media Network and is heard on iHeart Radio, speaks to her listeners weekly about various medical topics and understands why it’s important to have a robust blood supply. After hearing about an emergency need for more donors, she decided to establish a National Blood Donation Day, strategically timed right around the Labor Day holiday, when blood donations often decline due to busy holiday schedules. Dr. Daliah has asked each state governor to join her by proclaiming the service day in their home state.

“Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, from medical emergencies to critical treatments for conditions such as cancer or sickle cell disease,” said Jennifer Graham, Regional CEO, Red Cross Southeastern PA. “Giving blood is a meaningful way to help your community, and now is the perfect time to roll up a sleeve to make a potentially lifesaving difference.”

The Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as summer winds down. Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.

To find a donation opportunity and learn more about blood donation, including eligibility information, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you were deferred from donating in the past, you may be able to donate again.